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European
Wasp
The European Wasp is potentially a much more
serious pest in Western Australia than it is in Europe. In cold climates wasp
colonies die out during the winter months except for the queen, who
is usually the only survivor. There is also only one generation per
year. This restricts insect numbers. However in warmer countries like
Australia, breeding and nest construction may continue throughout
the year. This may result in massive colonies being produced, with
nests up to three meters long and containing hundreds of thousands
of wasps.
The European wasp worker is roughly the same size
and shape as a honeybee but has distinct, bright lemon-yellow and
black markings on the body, compared to the duller, yellow or orange
and black markings of the honeybee worker.
With in the Perth metropolitan area, reported sightings
of European Wasps often turn out to be papernest wasps, Polistes spp. The papernest wasps, however, have a more slender body and a
more obvious waist section than the European wasps. The more common
of
the wasps, Polister humilis synoecus has an overall brownish appearance
; the markings and bands have tones of brown in addition to yellow
and black. The European wasp, on the other hand, is entirely yellow
and black with no other colour.
 The European wasps' nest is always concealed. It is
usually underground but can be
located inside a hollow tree. A space in a retaining wall or enbankment,
in a wall cavity or the ceiling space of a house. All that can be
seen is a number of wasps entering or leaving the nest area through
a hole or crack. The shape of the European wasp nest
varies, depending on the cavity it occupies. Establishing
underground nests are enlarged by removing soil to the outside.
Sometimes this soil is plastered around the entrance hole. The nest
consists of layers of cells, separated and supported by short
columns. The outside is covered with flattened, flaky pieces of
chewed-up and cemented wood fibres and this layer is thickened where
required for insulation.
For
More Information Call Champion Pest Control Today
Send
Us An E-Mail
477 Charles St North Perth 6006 Perth WA Australia
Ph: (08) 9444 0550 Fax: (08) 9242 5033
Mobile: 0414 34 9700 /
0414 343 204
© 1999 Champion Pest Control & Strategic Computing
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